The Tibetan song and dance epic "Sky and Heaven" was staged at the Great Hall of the People over the weekend.

The production was made possible by artists from Xining of Qinghai Province who wanted to help the capital audience better understand Tibetan culture and religion.

"Sky and Heaven" tells the life story of Je Tsongkhapa, a religious teacher who founded the Gelug school of Buddhism.

Starting with his unusual birth, the performance follows of Tsongkhapa whose name means "man from onion valley", as he leaves his mother behind to find Buddhism, until the two are reunited in heaven.

The dance made its debut in Xining, capital of Qinghai Province last May, before moving on to other cities including Xiamen and Shanghai, where it was warmly received.

The production team of Xining Music and Dance Troupe spent three years preparing the piece, collecting almost three thousand Tibetan costumes and musical instruments.

With the help of modern technology, the performance includes renditions of religious dance and music on the Tibetan plateau.

Luo Bin, script writer, said, "I am trying to find a new kind of ethnic identity. Through our music and language, we are trying to interpret a common sensibility that is comprehensible by all."

All revenue from the Sunday show will be donated to the earthquake-hit areas in Yushu of Qinghai Province.